COMMUNITY SERVICE

Press, Volume XCII, Issue 27735, 12 August 1955, Page 2

COMMUNITY SERVICE

METHODIST CENTRAL MISSION Just five years ago, the Christchurch Methodist Central Mission adopted a specific social service policy and now, at the end of this period, most of the schemes initially outlined have been established, says the annual report of the mission. In that time, the mission has opened two homes for the aged—Wesley Lodge in Christchurch and Wesley House at Picton—Rehua Hostel for Maori apprentices, a goodwill store, and a Maori youth club. Also operating under the mission’s management are a hot meal service, a recreation centre for aged persons, and a home help scheme. The mission undertakes a prison chaplaincy in addition to its general social service work. The voluntary home help service was started this year. Under this scheme, 20 volunteer workers visit the homes of the aged, frail, and sick to clean, cook, garden, and help them in other ways. “Most of our older citizens wish to live in their own homes, and work of this kind enables them to stay in familiar surroundings,” says the superintendent (the Rev. W. E. Falkingham). “If this work is not maintained, we shall have an avalanche of applications for admission to homes for the aged and hospitals. Appeal for Assistance “We appeal to .ablebodied citizens to remember their aged neighbours,” Mr Falkingham says. “Today, one out of every seven persons in' New Zealand is over 65. Though the majority are well able to look after themselves, or have relatives to care for them, a great number are in need of friendship and service.

Many are living in loneliness, poignantly aware that no-one cares for them. Friendly interest, a drive in a car, a helping hand with some of the difficult home chores, errands done, and other small tasks performed by neighbours would bring new light and hope at eventide for many of our older citizens.”

Only because home help does not come readily from neighbours has it become necessary for the mission to undertake its home help service to assist elderly persons, the report says. This year a recreation centre has been provided at the Durham Street South Methodist Church, 1 in conjunction with the hot meal service. Many old persons spend much time there in the companionship of others of their own age. The Maori youth club has been another new venture, the report says. Boys from Rehua Hostel formed the nucleus of the club, and other Maori youths working or studying in Christchurch have joined. The report says that “White House,” a holiday cottage at Kairaki, has been made available by the mission to a number of persons for holidays during the year. The social welfare department has continued to develop and has given valuable service in counselling, helping the homeless to find accommodation and finding domestic help for the frail and dependent who cannot cope with their own work.